The immediate past Head of Civil Service in Rivers State, Dr. George Nweke, has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state with averting total chaos and economic sabotage.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Port Harcourt, Nweke accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of being the architect of the recent political turmoil in the state.

He alleged that the governor orchestrated the destruction of public assets and had ulterior motives that could have plunged the state into anarchy.

Nweke also clarified that his resignation was voluntary and not due to dismissal or external pressure.

“You would recall that I was appointed as the Head of Service by our suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to serve,” he said.

“With the loads of misinformation on print and electronic media, I have chosen to put the record straight, I was not sacked neither was I pressured to resign, I did it willingly from the depth of my heart.”

As someone who worked closely with Governor Fubara, Nweke said he felt compelled to speak out due to the gravity of the situation in the state.

“It will be unfair for me to keep silent or not to address some key factors that have affected or will affect our state if we continue on this trajectory,” he said.

He praised President Tinubu’s intervention, saying the emergency declaration—now ratified by the National Assembly—helped to prevent the worst-case scenario.

He said: “If not for the intervention of Mr. President, Nigeria would have faced the worst economic sabotage and Rivers State would have been up in flames.”

Recounting events leading up to the crisis, Nweke made serious allegations against Governor Fubara, claiming the governor instructed his then-chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly complex to thwart an impeachment attempt.

“First, it all started with the Rivers State House of Assembly where the Governor, Siminilayi Fubara directed his Chief of Staff (Edison Ehie) to burn down the Assembly in a way to avert his impeachment,” he said.

“I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside.”

“I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminilayi Fubara. I challenge him to an open confrontation and I will throw more light on it.”

Nweke said the incident nearly led to his resignation, but fear of retaliation held him back.

He said: “A day after that incident, I almost resigned but I was very scared because I know the power of a sitting governor and he knew that I am aware of the whole plan.”

He also claimed there was a plot to destroy the residential quarters of Assembly members, which was only thwarted by a public outcry.

“Another attempt was also made to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members if not for the press conference that was made there by Rivers youths, Rivers elders and National Assembly members,” the former HoS said.

According to Nweke, Governor Fubara had even expressed regret for not demolishing another building used by the Assembly members for their sittings.

He said: “He personally told me that if he knew early he would have gone to pull down their hall before visiting the residential quarters of the Assembly.

“I was shocked and I asked myself how could a man that wants to lead his people be destroying his state assets and wasting public funds on a needless ego fight.”

Nweke further urged stakeholders criticizing the emergency declaration to reconsider their stance, insisting that the President acted in the nation’s best interest.

“If the President did not take proactive step, no one knows who would have been affected by the sinister plans that were cooking,” he warned.

He also accused Governor Fubara of making dangerous political calculations tied to national elections.

“One of the factors that got me removed was when Governor Fubara told me that they will use the Ijaws to decide who will become the next president of Nigeria and I asked him how will that work?

“He clearly told me that he is the chief security officer of Rivers State and his brother is in charge of Bayelsa State and all the pipelines are under their care, that at the appropriate time they will tell the boys what to do and fund was not an issue.

“That was why when he made that statement in his public function that ‘I will tell the boys what to do at the appropriate time,’ I knew something was up and perhaps the time was near,” Nweke said.

Nweke appealed to Tinubu to remain actively involved in Rivers affairs, warning that unresolved issues still pose significant threats to peace and stability in the region.

The national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure has accused elected lawmakers of the party of failing to financially contribute to its growth.

He stated that none of the lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since they were elected into office in 2023.

Abure shared his displeasure while speaking during a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State chapter of the party.

Speaking further, he vowed that those instigating parallel structure in the party will face severe consequences

This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja on Friday.

He quoted Abure as appealing to the Obidient Family to work towards owning the party by registering as party members to qualify for participation in the forthcoming congresses scheduled for June and July 2025.

Abure said, “We are willing and ready to absorb all the Obidients into the Labour Party. All you need to do is go to your ward as an Obidient and register. The party has only one structure; all the others are counterfeit.

“A party cannot have two conflicting structures, a party can only have one structure and I advice, if you do not want to be left out of the scheme of things, find your way into the main structure. Those who are doing parallel structure, candidate structure will lose out at the end of the day.”

Regarding the relationship between the party and elected members, Barrister Abure said, “It is a fact that they don’t respect the party; it is a fact that they don’t make contributions to the party. As I speak with you today, we have not received one kobo at the national level from those we elected to the national Assembly.

“The responsibility of running this party is still with the party’s leadership. As of today, we have six senators, about 30 Reps members, and numerous House of Assembly members, but it will shock you to know that none of these lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since their election in 2023.

“Let them go and ask other parties, it is those elected under their platform that fund the party. Today, most of them want to have control over their local government and for us to hand over their constituencies to them, yet they are not ready to work or partner with the party. Is it fair?.”

The national chairman also promised to investigate the grievances of the Lagos State party faithful. He said, “I want to appeal to our members in Lagos State who may have one grievance or the other arising from the imperfection witnessed in the 2023 general election to keep their grievances aside.

“We cannot continue to dwell in the past. Those who did not get the party ticket in 2023 election may have the opportunity to do so in 2027. And for some of you who have special cases, I plead with you to come and present the matter to the leadership of the party, instead of fighting ourselves in the social media. As long as I am the National Chairman, those with genuine cases will be given special attention in the 2027 general election.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to persist in their prayers for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as for peace, stability, and progress in the nation.

Acknowledging that prayer is a ‘great weapon’ against despair, the number two citizen specifically requested prayers for divine guidance, asking God to bestow wisdom and strength upon the President to lead the country towards peace, unity, and prosperity.

Naija News reports that Shettima made this request during the closing ceremony of the Tafsir (Quranic recitation) held at the State House Mosque in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

The VP emphasized that prayer serves as a stronghold for believers, a refuge where aspirations are cultivated and destinies are formed.

Shettima reminded those present that governance is a shared responsibility, not solely the duty of the government. He highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders, who reflect the moral conscience of society, in shaping values and guiding the community.

“It is our greatest weapon against despair and the most powerful armour for those entrusted with leadership. In this spirit, I urge us all to continue praying for our beloved nation and the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.

“May Almighty Allah grant him the wisdom, strength, and resolve to continue steering the ship of our great nation towards peace, unity, and prosperity. May He protect him from harm, fortify his heart with courage, and guide his every effort in service to the Nigerian people.

“Their service reminds us of the ideals that must define us: integrity, justice, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of others. To them, we owe our deepest gratitude.”

He enjoined the Muslim faithful to embody Ramadan’s values, including sacrifice, discipline and love in their daily lives, maintaining that as they prepare to bid farewell to the holy month, they must not forget the essence of the sacred month.

Shettima added: “The days of devotion, self-restraint, and reflection must not be confined to Ramadan alone; rather, they must illuminate the path we walk every day. Fasting has not only taught us sacrifice and discipline; it has also awakened in us a profound sense of empathy. It has reminded us of the struggles of the less privileged, the hunger of the destitute, and the responsibilities we bear toward those in need.

“But as Ramadan draws to a close, we must ask ourselves: What have we truly gained if we revert to old habits of neglect, indifference, and discord? The true test of faith is not how we worship during Ramadan, but how we embody its values after it.

“Let us, therefore, carry the spirit of this sacred month into our daily lives. Let us extend kindness where there is cruelty, offer generosity where there is want and radiate love where there is division. Let us be ambassadors of Islam not only in public but also in our most private moments, embodying the goodness that defines our faith.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims linking former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to the investigations of Nigerian businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu.

Naija News reports that Atiku had claimed that the EFCC was probing him concerning financial activities involving Sanwo-Olu.

However, the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Friday, March 28, disclosed that Achimugu is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has no correlation with Atiku and Sanwo-Olu.

The anti-graft agency maintained that it was non-partisan and non-sectarian, urging the public to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its works.

The statement added, “We wish to state unequivocally that the investigations of Achimugu have no correlation of any kind with the two political actors. She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared Wanted by the Commission.

“The EFCC commenced investigation of Achimugu in 2022 and though she approached the court to obtain an injunction restraining the Commission from arresting, investigating, inviting or detaining her for any alleged criminal act, the injunction was challenged and vacated on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

“The court ruled that “…no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the Police or EFCC or any agency established under our laws to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion of commission of a crime or ample evidence of commission of an offence by a suspect”.

“The court further upheld the interim order of forfeiture of assets of Achimugu suspected to be proceeds of crime, dismissing her suit against it as lacking merit .

“The foregoing clearly establishes that the EFCC’s case against her has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction.

“The EFCC is non-partisan and non-sectarian. We enjoin the public to continue to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its works.”

First Lady Remi Tinubu has downplayed a viral video of nursing students allegedly mocking her during her visit to Delta State

Naija News reported that the students of the nursing school rejected a song introduced by the Master of Ceremony (MC), calling the wife of the President the mother of the nation.

The students said Mrs. Tinubu was the MC’s mother and not theirs nor that of the nation.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, SSA Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, said that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum.

According to her, First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, showing chants welcoming both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025.

“The event was primarily to motivate midwives across the nation, with the aim of reducing infant and maternal mortality, and morbidity in Nigeria. Her Excellency deeply appreciates the warm reception by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, as well as enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.

“However, a section of the video, allegedly recorded by some students at the event, showed a spontaneous and playful twist to the welcome song. Sequel to that, it has come to our attention that some of the students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have been issued a query regarding their participation in the chants. While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria respects the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognize that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted and jovial manner.

“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum. The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.

“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that balances discipline with free expression.”

The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned the immediate-past governor of the State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, saying it has no record of his membership.

Assistant National Secretary of SDP in North-West, Idris Inuwa, made the disclosure at a press conference on Friday in Kaduna where he advised the former governor to follow the proper procedures if he intends to officially become a member of the party.

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Mal. Nasir El-Rufai are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships.

“El-Rufa and his co-travelers are not recognised members of the SDP in Kaduna State at this time. We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.”

Inuwa added that, “The State Executive Committee of SDP categorically rejects the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee as contained in a letter from the National Secretariat dated 25 February, 2025”.

According to Inuwa, the letter has no reference number, no tracking identity and did not have the proper mailing/correspondence address of the Kaduna State SDP.

“We state unequivocally that the action contained in the letter is an exercise in futility, and of no consequential effect whatsoever.

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee is a product of a duly conducted State Congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid and binding.”

He maintained that any attempt to dissolve the legitimately constituted leadership of the party in the State is not only unconstitutional, but also a direct affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy.

“This therefore underscores the nullity of the purported setting up of a caretaker committee under one individual,” Inuwa said.

He called on the National Secretariat of the party to immediately withdraw the letter purporting to dissolve the Kaduna State Working Committee.

He threatened that failure to do so will leave them with no option but to seek redress through appropriate channels, including the courts of law.

Suleiman Nazif, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resigned from the party.

Nazif, an ex-senator who represented Bauchi north, announced his defection from the PDP to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a statement released on Friday.

“This decision comes after extensive consultation, and in response to the admonition of the people whose voices I have always valued and respected throughout my political journey,” the statement reads.

“However, my dedication to democracy, nation-building and a brighter future for Nigeria remains unwavering.

“Consequently, I hereby declare my decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to establish a strong robust political platform that upholds democratic principles and fosters a more effective leadership recruitment system in Nigeria.”

Nazif was a member of the PDP national working committee (NWC) and board of trustees (BoT).

The PDP has seen a wave of defection of members to other parties over the protracted crisis in the party.

A bill seeking to bar persons above the age of 60 from contesting for president, governor, vice president, and deputy governor has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Rep Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill is part of the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution on the review of eligibility criteria for the positions.

If passed and assented to by the president, the law would affect the eligibility of President Bola Tinubu, 73, Atiku Abubakar, 78, Peter Obi, 63, and others in their age categories for the 2027 presidential election.

The bill proposes changes to Section 131 of the Constitution to introduce a 60-year age limit for presidential candidates.

The age restriction will be captured in Section 177 of the constitution for the governorship category.

Similarly, potential aspirants for the presidential and governorship elections must have at least a first degree to qualify for elections.

In a related development, the Senate on Thursday slated for consideration a bill seeking to make it mandatory for all categories of elections to be conducted in one day.

Sponsored by Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central), the bill, if it scales all legislative requirements, will mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all elections in a single day.

The categories of elections to be affected are the presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assemblies.

A number of the senators, however, argued over the practicability of the bill, doubting the capacity of INEC to cope with the demand.

They pointed out the uneven terrain across many states, especially in the reverine areas where movement and distribution of electoral materials take many hours to accomplish.

Other senators also picked holes in the bill, pointing out that voters, especially those in rural areas, might not be able to cope with a high number of ballot papers at once.